It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Norma Elisabeth Roderick Cabral Teixeira Nunes, beloved wife of Roger Nunes. Norma transitioned peacefully on November 23, 2024, at the age of 90, surrounded by her loving family. She was a devoted mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, mother-in-law, friend, and so much more.

Norma grew up in a beautiful Cape Verdean family on Nantucket, where she attended all her school years and graduated from Nantucket High School. During her high school years, she was a popular basketball star, and the team had the opportunity to travel off-island for games she truly enjoyed.

In her senior year, during the period of segregation, her class took a trip to Washington D.C. When they arrived at a public swimming pool, she, amongst the few "Cape Verdeans - Afro Americans," were prohibited by law from swimming. In a remarkable show of solidarity, the entire class decided to boycott the swimming pool - a testament to her character.

Career-wise, she pursued various paths. She first worked as a model and telephone operator in New York City, then temporarily for the Steamship Authority aboard the SS Nobska at the counter, where she received a write-up in the Nantucket Inquirer & Mirror for her kindness to passengers when the ship was lost in a deep fog. As told, many of her jobs were rooted in her talent for service and forward kindness, even up to her last job as a nurse's assistant at Saint Luke's Hospital in New Bedford. Her talents stretched even to the kitchen, where she delighted many with her famous carrot cake, frequently ordered by a renowned restaurant on Nantucket, much to everyone's appreciation.

She had many passions, from dancing to creole music and jazz, to vacation cruises, art, flea markets visits, and her weekly Friday hairdresser appointments. She also loved to travel, taking trips to the Caribbean, Mexico, Italy, and enjoying occasional escapes with her cousin Dominga Lobo to Foxwoods.

Norma cherished the strong bond she had with her sisters Pauline and Viola, her brothers Joseph, Paul, John, Raymondo, and cousins. Family reunions on Nantucket and Thanksgiving gatherings at her siblings' homes were moments she deeply treasured, filled with love, laughter, and shared memories.

Together with family members and Nantucket's Cape Verdean community, including Joli Gonsalves, Norma helped create a Cape Verdean chapter for a scholarship awarded to Nantucket High School students. During one of the fundraisers, people from near and far came to the island for a grand and historical Cape Verdean event. The first Prime Minister of Cape Verde, Pedro Pires, was among the attendees and stayed at her brother Joe's (Nunna) home. Stories from that special occasion tell of guests who continued the celebration onboard the boat, with musicians playing creole music—it was a fantastic once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Norma also served on the Board for the annual Cape Verdean Scholarship program in New Bedford for many years. She was always elegant and carried herself with poise. Throughout her travels, she established strong friendships, and those she met were always delighted to see her return. Norma navigated foreign countries with ease, never facing obstacles in communication or travel.

Norma was always sharp, with a great memory and active in socio-political movements of her day. She constantly made herself open to help those in need, and was just as strong as she was kind.

Norma is survived by her sons, Steven, Isa, and Albert (Tex); her daughters Pam, Mary Ellen, and Robin; daughters-in-law Hajera, Mischelle, and sons-in-law Leonardo and Uma; grandchildren Ahmed, Shakeela, Saif, Colby, Bryce and Yani; and great-grandsons, Yusha and Benyamin. She is also survived by her sisters Pauline and Viola and all of their families; cousins from the Lobo, Gibeau, Roderick, Cabral, DaSilva, Gomes, Perry, and Teixeira families and all of their loved ones.

Norma will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Her visitation will be held on Tuesday November 26th from 10:30-11:30 AM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by a service at 11:30 AM.  Burial will take place at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.